Scrub to Succeed: Mastering Hold Cleaning in Short-Transit Charter Parties

 🚢 Scrub to Succeed: Mastering Hold Cleaning in Short-Transit Charter Parties

❓ Is your vessel prepared for rapid hold cleaning during tight port schedules?

❓ Do your crew and stevedores coordinate cleaning roles effectively?
❓ Could a missed cleaning update cost you demurrage—or worse, cargo rejection?

 

🔍 Clause Breakdown: Hold Cleaning Clause in Short-Transit Voyages

In this charter clause, the charterers (Oldendorff) provide cleaning instructions for each cargo leg. It emphasizes:

“Crew must commence hold cleaning as soon as possible during discharge, as transit between ports is often short and cleaning conditions (weather) can be unfavorable.”

💡 Key Implications:

• Time Sensitivity: Short sea passages mean limited cleaning windows.
• Proactive Action Required: Crew must monitor discharge operations and be ready to begin cleaning even before full cargo completion.
• Hold Readiness is a Shared Responsibility: While stevedores are expected to minimize residue, ultimate cleaning quality rests with the vessel.
• Materials and Permission: Use of owner-supplied materials or equipment requires prior permission and reporting.
• Documentation: Frequent updates with photos are mandatory to evidence cleaning status and avoid disputes.

 

🧠 Common Pitfalls to Avoid

1. Delaying hold cleaning until after departure—this often leads to time loss due to poor weather or swell.
2. Not informing charterers about excess cargo residue—this may cause disputes and delay loading at next port.
3. Failing to request material in time—resulting in shortage during critical cleaning windows.
4. No photographic record—making it hard to defend claims or issue timely Letters of Protest.
5. Miscommunication between deck and engine teams—especially regarding freshwater evaporation capacity.

 

⚖️ Legal Insight: BIMCO & Case Law Perspective

BIMCO commentary and past arbitration decisions (e.g., London Maritime Arbitration 19/04) emphasize:

“The master has a duty to maintain cargo holds in an acceptable state, even if time is short, provided the cleaning is within the crew’s capability using reasonable means.”

Also, BIMCO’s Hold Cleaning Clauses stress the importance of agreed cleaning standards and regular communication.

 

🛠️ Actionable Steps for Ship Operators, Managers & Masters

✅ During discharge: Assign crew to commence cleaning in empty holds. Ensure PPE and equipment are ready.

✅ Monitor stevedores: Watch for residues being left behind. Issue Letter of Protest immediately if standards are not met.

✅ Communicate actively: Inform charterer of hold condition, cleaning progress, and any issues—with pictures.

✅ Use sea water first, then rinse with fresh water from evaporator. Notify if shortfall is expected.

✅ Request permission before using Oldendorff's cleaning materials. Track and report usage for timely resupply.

✅ Utilize anchorage time to perform touch-up cleaning or upgrades—weather permitting.

✅ Record cleaning activity in logbooks with timestamps, crew names, photos, and products used.

 

📣 Final Thoughts & Call to Action

Hold cleaning isn’t just a compliance activity—it’s a strategic function in charter performance. Doing it right saves time, reduces disputes, and builds professional trust.

Speak up, clean smart, and always document your effort.

💬 Comment below if you’ve ever had a cleaning dispute resolved through proper documentation.

👍 Like if this post gave you a clear picture of your charterer’s expectations.

🔔 Follow @ShipOpsInsights with Dattaram for more practical shipping leadership and deck-level mastery tips.

#ShipOpsTips #HoldCleaningMatters #MaritimeLeadership #CharterCompliance #ClarityAtSea #ShipOpsInsights

 

⚠️ Disclaimer:

This blog is for general educational purposes and not intended as legal or operational advice. Please consult your company’s charter party terms and maritime counsel for specific guidance.